Updated on September 2007

As MPAs become management instruments used by different stakeholders with specific objectives, there is an emerging need to manage and disseminate information on MPAs. This section provides links to information systems covering a wide range of MPA related objectives: diffusion of information on what is going on about MPAs worldwide, MPA databases and computerized tools for MPA site selection.

MPA related news

A primary source of information on the planning and management of marine protected aresa is MPA News, a monthly international newsletter published by Marine Affairs Research and Education (MARE), a non-profit organization.

MPA databases

At the global level, the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA ) has been used as a baseline to develop the database of the world’s MPAs. This database, MPA Global, is accessible through a web interface. Each MPA is described with a set of attributes providing information on the MPA designation, its management authorities, its regulations by zone and its habitat types. The database makes use of standardized classifications such as: IUCN categories, marine components (marine, intertidal or subtidal), major habitat types, regulations. When provided, these descriptors can be used as search criteria to select and compare MPAs. One issue of such a global database is that the data provision is based on voluntary reporting. To facilitate reporting a system of editor registration has been implemented to allow any website visitor to submit new or updated information on MPA sites. Information submitted is validated before publication.

Regional groups working on MPAs generally describe them using a common template. The template varies from one initiative to another, and there is no emerging standard to date. The Regional Coastal and Marine Conservation Programme for West Africa provides an example of MPA fact sheets (in French).

Standardization in MPA description is helpful to compare MPAs and the context in which they are established. IUCN has established a categorization of protected areas, based on management objectives, which is applicable to MPAs. Standards are also useful to develop systems for the monitoring of MPAs through the measurement of specific indicators. PROTECT, a three year project (2005-2008) funded by the European Community has included in its working program the preparation of guidelines on some aspects related to data handling in relation to MPAs.

MPAs and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Decision making for the implementation of MPAs goes through a spatial analysis process which takes into account the spatial distribution of an important set of information including area-based regulations, distribution of marine resources or other environmental features. The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has become an indispensable tool to perform such analysis. MARXAN, software developed by the Ecology Centre of the University of Queensland, has been widely used to identify networks of reserve sites that would meet biodiversity targets while minimizing costs to resource users, such as fishers. A comparative review of methodologies and computerized tools for the selection of candidates MPAs was published in 2004 by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and is available on-line.

The latest progress in information technology has led to the development of web-based applications with interactive mapping and spatial queries facilities. The National Aquatic Biodiversity Information System (NABIS) provided by the New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries is an example of a powerful GIS oriented web-based application. Geo-referenced layers include marine reserves, customary areas, fisheries managed areas, distribution of marine species, marine resources catches by fishing gear, oceanographic parameters, etc. The user can build maps by selecting the layers of interest, but can also query the database by location.